Jeremiah’s Woe

10 Woe to me, my mother, that you have borne me, a man of strife and conflict in all the land. I have neither lent nor borrowed, yet everyone curses me.

11 The LORD said: “Surely I will deliver you for a good purpose; surely I will intercede with your enemy in your time of trouble, in your time of distress.

12 Can anyone smash iron—iron from the north—or bronze?

13 Your wealth and your treasures I will give up as plunder, without charge for all your sins within all your borders.

14 Then I will enslave you to your enemies in a land[fn] you do not know, for My anger will kindle a fire that will burn against you.”

15 You understand, O LORD; remember me and attend to me. Avenge me against my persecutors. In Your patience do not take me away. Know that I endure reproach for Your honor.

16 Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight. For I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts.

17 I never sat with the band of revelers, nor did I celebrate with them. Because Your hand was on me, I sat alone, for You have filled me with indignation.

18 Why is my pain unending, and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You have indeed become like a mirage to me—water that is not there.